The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics fields (otherwise known as STEM) is projected to grow at a rate 1.2x faster than non-STEM related ones through 2024. With the median STEM salary being 2x higher, and opportunities across the U.S. multiplying, it is no wonder the STEM field is so desirable. For many, engagement in STEM is starting at a younger and younger age, as parents and children alike experience the benefits of becoming comfortable around STEM subjects, such as problem solving, teamwork skills and self-confidence. As interest spikes, so do opportunities to enroll in STEM-specific afterschool programs.
Afterschool and out-of-school programming is already a key resource for many parents. Families either want to keep their children engaged during breaks, encourage them to explore their interests further, or to simply remain in a safe environment while their parents have to work. For these reasons and more, afterschool programs are a must in order to provide adequate resources for children. This fact was addressed in July of 2021 as Governor Baker awarded 200 million in grant money to early education and afterschool programs, with 80% of recipients serving low-income families.
With nine out of ten parents reporting that afterschool programs in general leave a positive impact on their children, STEM-specific programs have been shown to foster multiple core skills they can bring back to the classroom and in everyday life. 78% of students reported that their idea of the STEM field improved because of these programs, and 72% claimed they were able to build upon vital critical thinking skills. Families have also seen growth in their childrens’ social skills, grades and test scores. “We all need to be comfortable and confident,” Cyndi Reitmeyer, creator of Boston Tech Moms, told us in regards to STEM subjects, “we all have technology that plays a role in our life.”
Reitmeyer dedicates her time to providing parents with resources to help get their children involved in the STEM world. “Parents, especially around here, get that those skills are important,” she said. Reitmeyer, along with the parents she serves, believes that kids truly care about the world around them, and have the capacity and drive to learn about both its problems and solutions. “A lot of kids understand what’s going on in the world today, they care about these topics and want to solve these problems. If you can get them involved and teach them the technology, it’s very exciting,” she explained. She also pointed out the advantage these activities could have when applying to college later in life. “You don’t even need a college degree for some of these skills, believe it or not,” Reitmeyer told us, “you could get a certificate and training, and it can open up more opportunities.” While STEM participation drops in high school, it increases in frequency, with interested students being involved in activities about twice a week.
Meanwhile, places like Kiddosland, a child care center in Braintree, MA, are exposing their children to STEM at a much earlier stage of life. Director Deann Ronchetti said that the center wanted to get children interested and excited about STEM, while showing both them and parents that it doesn’t all have to be traditional computer coding. “We’re launching a program in September that does Lego coding,” she said. “It’s a fun, flexible way for kids to learn coding techniques. It’s a one project program, so in the end the kids will have something to present and it is very exciting,” Ronchetti explained. She said that a handful of parents did not realize there were ways to engage kids in coding without placing them in front of a computer setup with HTML to write. But once they saw that you can make it age-appropriate, they became interested, and sign-up for the program was a success.
However, like many other childhood resources in Boston, cost can be a deciding factor for some family’s involvement. Although there is a range for program fees, they tend to lean more toward the costly side of things. Participation in afterschool programs overall has dropped to only 15% in Boston, with fees costing parents a weekly average of $131. A study by Massachusetts After 3PM reported that 62% of parents have said that programs are just too expensive, and 49% say their children have no safe way to get to or from them. However, 80% still stood by the positive impact afterschool programs have, with an interest in public funding for them soaring across political lines. In 2020, 476,670 children reported that they would be enrolled in afterschool programs if one were readily available. “If your school doesn’t run those [STEM] programs, be the squeaky wheel, make those recommendations,” Reitmeyer recommends, “parents and students can really make things happen.” The boom of online programming in the face of COVID-19 has also increased availability for kids who may not have access to resources in their immediate area.
In a state with an abundance of STEM opportunities and job growth, children are becoming more and more involved. STEM activities can boost their confidence, social skills and academic achievements. However, Massachusetts prices can make enrolling in these programs difficult, and downright impossible for some families. But with activities provided through schools, and recently awarded grants from the Baker-Polito Administration, hopefully those who have missed out on opportunities can soon get their chance.
